BARTOW, Fla. – Property owners in Polk County have at least one pleasant surprise awaiting them this fall as they receive their tax bills. Each envelope will contain an intricate design created by a local art student!
Tax Collector Joe Tedder launches a new initiative, Kids Tax Art, in which high school students submit wonderful works of art as part of a competition to be featured on tax bill envelopes and receive a scholarship prize. This comes at no cost to taxpayers, as there is no additional printing cost and the scholarship prize is graciously funded through a donation from program sponsor Southern Homes of Polk County.
The talented award-winning Lakeland High School student artist, Hope Hallock, was surprised with the news that she was the selected winner! She received the $2,500 scholarship prize Monday, as her art teacher also received a $500 award.
“This is a great opportunity, and I’m excited to represent my school and my lovely art teacher… my art is going to be seen by so many people, and that’s really incredible to have done,” Hope exclaimed, “I need to come up with more words than just exciting, because it’s just so… amazing to see my work in print and know that it’s going out!”
“This fun program brings a personal touch to public service! It inspires creativity, encourages artful expression, and displays such talent,” Tax Collector Joe Tedder remarked.
“We’re excited to be a part of this program and it’s a great opportunity to highlight the incredible talents of local students while showcasing the lasting impact that art programs have on our community,” emphasized Southern Homes’ representatives Austin Evans and Caroline Sharpe.
Kids Tax Art inspires artistic expression, proving that even something like a tax bill can be a canvas for creativity.
